MURFREESBORO, Tennessee —Katie Turner, youth services coordinator at the Rutherford County Library System, came in first place at the 2025 Celebrity Spelling Bee, which was held at The View at Fountains on Friday, November 7th. After twenty-eight rounds of competition, she took home the championship after correctly spelling “fuselage.”

Turner and runner-up Dr. Jeremy Lewis, principal at Bradley Academy, battled it out for the top spot. Kara Carpenter, director of events and investor engagement at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, was recognized for raising the most money, while Dr. Lewis was honored for securing the most donors at the Bee.

The event also featured exciting live and silent auctions. Winners purchased items that included a cabin stay in Townsend, TN; an interactive cooking class at Tasty Table; and a catered meal for ten by The Alley on Main.

Hundreds of guests filled the venue during the 19th annual fundraiser. Over $66,000 was raised for the local non-profit in support of literacy. Food and beverages were provided by Cedar Glade Brews, Julie’s Bartending, Sanders Bros. Coffee, and The Sweet Addiction. In addition, the organization revealed its signature One Book for 2026, Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt. 

“When our community comes together for literacy, everyone wins. Thank you to our spellers, sponsors, and supporters for helping us turn the power of words into life-changing opportunities,” said Jolene Radnoti, executive director of Read To Succeed.

The other spellers included Kaitlyn Benavides, district library and information specialist at Rutherford County Schools; Ashley Carter, business development officer at Redstone Federal Credit Union; Eric Murry, adult initiatives program manager at Motlow State Community College; Tim Tipps, vice president and residential loan officer at Wilson Bank & Trust; Jen Tooley, principal broker and Realtor at Compass Realty; Shannon Wheeler, branch manager at The Shannon Wheeler Mortgage Team; Robert White, vice president of community relations and member services at Middle Tennessee Electric. The night’s pronouncer was Rev. Martha Touchton. Matthew Joseph, Francela Salas, Meredith Thomas, and Michael Linn White served as judges. 

One hundred percent of the funds received from the Celebrity Spelling Bee will stay in Rutherford County and support Read To Succeed’s adult literacy program, youth and family literacy programs, ESL/ELL classes, and numerous other community events aimed at promoting literacy.  

The fundraising goal was met through the support of many individuals, businesses, and organizations: Atmos Energy, Nissan North America Inc., Ingram Content Group, Old National Bank, Don & Melanie Clayton, Middle Tennessee Electric, Brown Financial Group Inc., Jennings & Rebecca Jones Foundation, Publix Charities, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Larry & Carter Owens, Phillip Barnett, The Burgess Family Charitable Foundation, U.S. Cold Storage, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Auto Collection of Murfreesboro/Auto Pro of Nashville, Dempsey Vantrease & Follis, PLLC, First Community Mortgage - FCM Cares, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, State Farm Insurance – Andy Womack, and Wilson Bank and Trust.